Westmead preschool pupils 'farmers' for a day

Curiosity abounded when ‘Farmer Charlie’ visited children at KU Westmead Preschool as part of the school’s community and education program.

The worker at Golden Ridge Animal Farm in Dural brought goats, sheep, ducks, kittens and rabbits for the children to learn about.

“It was wonderful to get up close and experience living on a farm first hand,” said the preschool’s director Mariana Rondon.

“We were introduced to Roger the Rooster and Toby the Kelpie Puppy and we all had a turn at touching, brushing and feeding the animals.

“After the experience many children said ‘I want to be a farmer when I grow up’.’’

In recent weeks Holroyd Council has also set up a worm farm for the children, who were read the book My Wiggly Worms at the visit to learn more about sustainability and the benefit of worm farms to the environment.

“After the story, each child was given the opportunity to hold the worms,’’ Ms Rondon said.

“Mora [from Council] then emailed us the book which we were able to share with our families for the children to continue talking about at home. Best of all this experience has been shared with the children’s families and to the greater community.’’

Community and education have long been part of KU Westmead Preschool’s focus and are among the National Quality Standards for childcare centres.

The Westmead centre was rated as ‘exceeding’ the standards during its recent assessment.